Causes & Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Causes & Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last to rise in the back of the mouth between 17 and 25. For many, wisdom teeth can cause many problems, including pain, swelling, and infection. Sometimes, wisdom teeth can become impacted, meaning they cannot fully emerge from the gums. In this blog post, we will elaborate on the causes and symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth and the potential complications that can arise from leaving impacted wisdom teeth untreated.

Causes of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

There are numerous reasons why wisdom teeth become impacted. We don’t desire to scare you, but let’s look at several:

Damage to the other teeth: Where the wisdom tooth partially affects, it risks another tooth. Sometimes it pushes against the next molar, which could damage it. 

Overcrowding: Due to overcrowding, your other teeth could become misaligned. It will make chewing, opening, and closing the mouth painful.

Infection: A somewhat impacted wisdom tooth increases the chance of infection to your next molar and other teeth. It’s difficult to spotless and, as a result, may cause plaque and tartar to accumulate. It may result in contamination, gingivitis, plus more.

Gum disease: Because partially or fully impacted wisdom teeth are difficult to clean thoroughly, your gum may become inflamed. This disorder is famous for pericoronitis.

Cavities and tooth decay: Misaligned teeth are difficult to immaculate, creating an excellent location for food and bacteria. It may result in cavities and tooth decay.

Pain issues: Imagine your tooth stuck in your jawbone, pressing about it. That’s sure to cause lots of pain and discomfort. If the wisdom tooth is in your upper jaw, your sinus will likely suffer, causing severe headaches.

Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Some people may experience only mild discomfort or no symptoms, while others may experience more severe pain and swelling. The primary symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth include:

  • Pain or discomfort in the back of the mouth: Impacted wisdom teeth can often cause radiate to the jaw, neck, or ear and pain in the back of the mouth.
  • Swelling or redness in the gums: Swelling of the gums or cheeks in the area where the impacted tooth locates.
  • Difficulty opening the mouth: If the impacted wisdom teeth are causing pain and swelling, it may not be easy to open the mouth thoroughly.
  • Bad breath in the mouth: Food particles can get trapped around the impacted teeth, leading to bad breath.
  • Crowding or shifting of other teeth: Impacted wisdom teeth can push against adjacent teeth and cause crowding, leading to misalignment of other teeth.
  • Infection or abscesses: When the wisdom tooth is partially erupted or trapped under the gum line, bacteria can grow and cause disease, leading to swelling, pain, and sometimes fever.

If you notice these signs, schedule an appointment with a dentist immediately for wisdom tooth extraction if you want the problem to stay manageable.

You may also like to read, 7 Tips to Ensure You Get a Peaceful Sleep Post Wisdom Tooth Removal

Potential Complications of Impacted Wisdom Tooth

Leaving impacted wisdom teeth untreated can result in a range of complications. One of the most significant common complications is infection. When wisdom teeth impact, they can create gums pockets that trap food and bacteria. Over time, this can lead to an illness or abscess, which can cause pain, swelling, and fever.

Another potential complication of impacted wisdom teeth is damage to the surrounding teeth. In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth can even cause the formation of cysts or tumors in the jawbone, which can be painful and may require surgery to remove.

How Is an Impacted Wisdom Tooth Diagnosed? 

A dentist or an oral surgeon can diagnose an impacted wisdom tooth during a routine dental exam or when the patient presents with symptoms such as pain, swelling, or infection. The dentist or oral surgeon will physically examine the patient’s mouth, teeth, and gums and take X-rays to ascertain the position of the wisdom teeth.

If the wisdom tooth impacts, meaning it has not fully erupted or is growing at an angle that causes it to push against other teeth, it’s recommended to be extracted. The dentist or oral surgeon may also check for signs of infection, such as redness or swelling of the gums, and may order additional tests, such as a CT Scan.

Sometimes, impacted wisdom teeth may not cause symptoms or require immediate treatment. Still, regular monitoring suggests you ensure they do not cause problems in the future.

How Is an Impacted Wisdom Tooth Treated?

An impacted tooth is usually treated by Wisdom tooth extraction. Impacted wisdom teeth occur when they cannot fully emerge through the gums, leading to pain, infection, and damage to surrounding teeth. The extraction process involves numbing the area with a local anesthetic and surgically removing the tooth.

After the Wisdom tooth extraction, instructions are given to patients on how to care for the area, including tips on cleaning the socket, taking medication to manage pain and swelling, and avoiding certain foods and activities for some time. 

It is essential to note not all impacted wisdom teeth need a wisdom tooth extraction. Sometimes, monitoring the tooth and managing symptoms with medication or other treatments may be a viable option. It is best to consult a dentist to determine the best action for individual cases.

Final thoughts

Impacted wisdom teeth can be a source of pain, discomfort, and potential complications. If you are experiencing symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth, seeking treatment as soon as possible is essential to prevent further damage or infection. Wisdom tooth extraction is a standard procedure that can effectively remove impacted teeth and restore oral health. However, If you are wondering for a reliable dentist to ensure your wisdom tooth extraction problems, TruCare Dentistry is the best dentist in Roswell, GA, or neighboring areas such as Alpharetta, Dunwoody, Marietta, Milton, Sandy Springs, or Woodstock. Book an appointment with us at TruCare Dentistry. To know more about us, visit our website or call (678) 321-7575.